This past Saturday, we had dinner with three friends at Cafe Gitane at the Jane Hotel. I have been to the Cafe Gitane in Nolita, and it’s always been a staple hot-spot to grab a quick coffee or bite to eat – or a long one if I was lucky enough to score a table outside on a nice sunny weekend afternoon. I wasn’t sure what to expect for dinner at their new Jane Hotel location, though…

Cafe Gitane

Since I have been to Marrakesh, I was probably a bit pickier about the authenticity of the French-Moroccan menu, but it did resemble Morocco at least. The attractive, Euro-chic clientele has certainly transplanted themselves from their Sunday brunch in Nolita to their Saturday dinner on Jane Street. The fashion set dine on warm avocado toast, brie with apple, and couscous towers served with chicken, shrimp or sausage and a dollop of hummus. My friends and I definitely enjoyed our dinner, but I wouldn’t say it was because the food was amazing – it was good and fresh. I can’t blame them for the simplicity of the menu, though – they’re cooking with electric burners in there! They could improve their bar selection, though. Their clientele definitely want Averna or Moscato at midnight…or at least a Moroccan equivalent…

Averna

High ceilings and more square footage make this location much more conducive to group dinners and table-hopping without bumping into the servers. The black-and-white checkered floor, marble bar, waitresses clad in apron-style dresses and male servers in sailor-striped t-shirts make Cafe Gitane at the Jane Hotel as charming as ever.